Digital Edition

Special Sections

Historic Highways Initiative

As the first step on an exciting journey to identify, designate, and promote the historic highways of Texas, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) has contracted with the Austin consulting firm of Hardy-Heck-Moore to begin surveying the Texas route of the coastto coast Bankhead Highway, established in 1916.

In partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), federal transportation enhancement funds will enable the THC––using the Bankhead Highway as a pilot––to prepare a historic context for Texas highways statewide, a survey of historic resources along the Bankhead Highway corridor, and a Bankhead Highway rack card and website.

“The Bankhead and other nearly forgotten roads of Texas will once again attract travelers and tourists,” said THC Executive Director Mark Wolfe. “We believe the Historic Highways Program will renew interest in historic roadways and adjacent communities, generating economic activity and providing opportunities for job growth.”